Re-press brick-machine.



No. 656,879. Patented Aug. 28, |900. C. CHAMBERS, JR. & H. K. KING.

m-z-P'ness BRICK MACHINE.

Il Sheets-Sheet l.

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MMQJM N0..656,879. Patented Aug. '28, |900.

C. CHAMBERS, 1R. & H. K. KING.

RE-PRESS BRICK MACHINE. Y(Application filed Hay 31, 1898.)

(No Model.) II Sheets-Sheet 2.

Witnesses. Inventr,

A t ey.

THE Nonms "Tins co, Pnoaumownnmaron. o. L:v

Patented Aug. 28, 1900. C. CHAMBERS, Jn. & H. K. KING.

RIE-PRESS BRICK MCHINE.

Il Sheets-Sheet 3.

Inventors; lwozamn mmm/6%?,

17"" j (90u u /Attorney [Application fled Ma 3l, 1898.) (No Model.) Y

VVitrlesse TH: mams Flims co, PHOTO-umm. wAsmNGrcN. n. n

No. 656,879. Paiented Aug. l28f |9001.

C. CHAMBERS,'lR-.-& H. K.. KING.

lfxEfjRESS BRICK MACHINE. (Application Bled May 81, 1898.) (No Model.) Il Sheets-Sheet 4.

Vvirnesses lnvenlor @m/(MME,

M. y i

ttOrney.

TH: norms PETERS co., Puoruruo.. wnsnmnmu. n. c.

No. 65E-,879. v Patented Aug. 23, |900.

C. CHAMBERS, .l-R. H. K. KWG..

RE-PBESS BRICK MACHINE.

(Application ledMay 31, 1898.) (No Modem Il Sheets-Sheet 5.

' Inventors" @6m @imm/dhp, wc

7W oog@ da,

Attorney.

s. e S s e n v t w we mamans Para: co., PuoYo-Lm o.. vusnmovcn. D. c.

`Patented Aug. 28, |900.

C. CHAMBERS, 1R. H. K. KING.

REPRESS BRICK MACHINE.

(no Model.) (Application med my 81 1898') u sheetswsheex s,

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4, /gljy E5@ Q jfz .i i! 68 55 \cl id l .fg//- 55C e 6W'. 5a ,56% 0 52?@ 'jee 56555/5511., 6&5

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THE Nonms PETERS oo, vmrroumo.. wlsmnavon. u. c..

No. 656,879. P'atented Aug. 28, |900. C. CHAMBERS; 1R. 8L H. K." KING. lFiE-PRESS BRICK MACHINE.

(Application led May 31, 189B.) (HonModel.) IISheets-Shat 7.

I n\ entol S ttol ney Patented Aug. 28, |900.

' c. CHAMBERS, 1n. a.. H. K. KING.

Riz-PRESS BRICK MACHINE.l (Ho Model.) @www med May31189s')' H sheets-sheet s.

| 16@ l" l Il il 116g 30a 20.ad Y l 30C 0C\ 7 1 i 15C 15C 6,/ J5 2,306?, eo E02. @ya 27 wf .325 519g"- 29.0 e9

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TN: Hows wins no. Pnoaufno, msuwmou. u. c.

Patented Aug. 28, |900. C. CHAMBERS, lR-" H. K. KING.

[iE-PRESS BRICK MACHINE.

(Application filed' May 31, 1898.)

(No Model.)

TL )LOfLUCUlL Attorney".

Nitnesses No. 656,879. Patented Aug. 28, |9001. C. CHAMBERS, In. & H. K. KING.

RE-PRESS BRICK MACHINE.

(Application filed May 31, 1898.) (No Modal.) ll Sheets-Sheet l0.

I11\ enlols ...0MM/1m). Moa/LDL /gvvi/ Attol neg Witnesses.

A l vnr f 06 oh No. 656,379. Patented Aug. 2a, 190m.

C. CHAMBERS, In. H. K. KING.

IIE-PRESS BRICK MACHINE.

(Application filed May 31, 1898.) (No Model.) II Sheets-Sheet Il.

IE n vent o 18.

n. cA me mams Farms :zo4 vHofoLn'no., wAsmNmcu4 56C I I lUNIrED SrArEs FATENI EEIcE.

CYRUs CHAMBERS, JR., OF OVERBROOK, AND HOWARD H. KING., or PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, AssIeNORs To THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS COMPANY, OE PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

SPECIFIGATON forming part of Letters Patent No. 656,879, dated August 28, 1900.

Application led May 31, 1898.A Serial No. 682,125. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.- y

Be it known that We, CYRUS CHAMBERS, Jr. residing at Overbrook, in the county of Montgomery, and HOWARD K. KING, residing in the city and county of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, citizens of the United States, have invented certain new and useful Imi provements in Re-Press lrick-Machinemof which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accom# panying drawings, of Which- Figure 1, Sheet 1, is a perspective view of the complete machine, taken when the parts are in position to begin the operation of repressing the clots and showing clots that have just been re-pressed, ready to be removed from the delivery-plates. Fig. 2, Sheet 2, is a front elevation of the side of the i machine from which the clots are fed in.

Fig. 2 is a detail of a portion of the mechanism Which operates the noodleicut-off. Fig. 3, Sheet 3, is an elevation of the side of the machine Opposite to that shown in Fig. 2-

that is, the delivery side of the machine.l

Fig. 4, Sheet 4, is an elevation of the side of the machine upon which is the driving-pulley. Fig. 5, Sheet 5, is an elevation of the side of the upper part ofA themachine opposite to that of Fig. 4, showing the gears connecting the cam-shaft' and the shaft of vthe driving-pulley and the cams on said shaft and the yoke for operating the mold-boxes. Fig. 6 is a similar elevation, the cam-shaft and pulleyshaft beingcut off. Fig."7, Sheet 6, is a sectional elevation as on line 7 7, Fig. 2. Fig. 8, Sheet 7, is a section on line 8 S, Fig. 3. Fig. 9 is a section on line 9 9, Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is an elevation of the lower end of one of the connecting-rods for operating the mold-boxes. Fig. 11 is a section on line 11 1l, Fig. 8. Fig. 12 is a vertical section of the oil-tank for supplying oil to certain parts of the machine. Fig. 13, Sheet S, is an enlarged longitudinal section through one of the cross-heads, mold-box, plunger, and anvil.` 14, Sheet 9, is a sectional plan viewA im mcdiately above the anvils and feed-table. Fig. 14a is a vertical section of one of the delivery-plates Fig. 15, Sheet 10,

is an enlarged top plan vieW of the moldboxesv detached. Fig. 16 is an enlarged trans verse section through the mold-boxes and the anvils on a line through the middle of the vent-holes of the latter. Fig. 17, Sheet 11, is a detail in side elevation of the grooved cam, dac., for operating the feed-bar. Fig. 18 is a transverse section of the cam shown in Fig. 17 and the roller riding in thegroove thereof. Fig. 19 isa detail of the feed-table, showing the oiling rollers and stops. Fig. 20 is an enlarged longitudinal section of the said oilingrollers.

This invention relates to that kind of machines or presses whereby the comparativelyrough blanks of clay, or clots, as they are usually termed, are compressed to form finished bricks by means of mechanism comprising a mold or mold-box of suitable internal t dimensions open at the bottom, a plunger fitted to and adapted to Work in said box, a stationary plunger or anvil underlying the latter in position to support the clots to be repressed, and mechanism adapted to impart at predetermined times independent movements of the moldbox and plunger toward the anvil and at predetermined times to impart to the plunger and the mold-box movements away from the anvil, the construction andtiming of said mechanism being such whereby the' clots of suitable size brought into position upon the anvil with relation to the then-elevated mold-box and pln'ger Will be first incased by the mold-box as'it is caused to descenda short distance, and its lower end also incases the top portion of the anvil, and the clot Will then be compressed by the descent Of the plunger, and, iinally, the finished brick carried up by the ascent of the plunger and mold-box will be ejected from the saidbox.

The invention relates more particularly to a certain machine of the kind aforesaid, which is the invention of said Howard K. King, for which he filed an application for Letters Patent of the United States on the 27th day of August, 1897, the serial number of which application is 649,703, the object of the present invention being to improve the construction in certain details and to perfect as far as possible the operation of the machine.

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The construction and mode of operation of the machine will be hereinafter described and the various improvements made by us will be duly pointed out.

Referring to the accompanying drawings,

,1 is the main frame or housing of the machine. j

2 is a shaft, hereinafter termed the camshaft, that is journaled in bearings of the upper part of the standards 1a of the frame and is driven by a belt (not shown) running over a pulley 3, loosely mounted on a shaft 4, also yjournaled in the frame and carrying a pinion 5, whose teeth engage those of a spurgear 6 on the cam-shaft.

7 is a friction-clutch for the pulley which is connected by jointed arms 7 to a splined sleeve 7b on said shaft, havinga collar 7 c and a sleeve 7d upon sleeve 7b. The sleeve 7'd has at its outer end a disk 7e adjacent to a similar disk 7 f, fixed to the end of the shaft. A yokeleverjg, with slots 7h, engaging studs 7 of sleeve 7d, is pivoted to an arm 7j, that is secured to the frame-standard. The free depending arm ofsaid yoke-lever is adapted to engage a notch 7k on an arm 71, also secured to said standard. By shifting the yoke-lever arm outwardly the clutch will be brought into engagement with the pulley, and by moving said arm inwardly the clutch will be disengaged, and thus the pulley be allowed to run loosely on its shaft, thus stopping the machine. At the same Itime the disk 7e will be broughtinto contact with the disk 7 f, in which position it may be retained by bringing the depending yoke-lever arm into notch 7k. Thus the shaft 7 will be prevented from turning by the friction of the pulley upon its shaft, whereby any movement of the operative parts of the machine while the attendant may be cleaning or working at the same is prevented.

The cam-shaft 2 through suitable cams thereon and connections, hereinafter described, operates the various mechanisms of the machine.

Upon a shaft 8, that is journaled inthe frame parallel with the said driving and cam shafts, is a toggle member having two bifurcated bell-crank arms 10 and 10 and short arms 10b, to which latter, respectively, are pivoted the upper ends of rods 12, whose lower ends are pivoted to shafts 13a of a crosshead 13, that is adapted to slide vertically in guideways 14 on the inner side of the said fraine-standards- To this cross-head are secured the plungers l-two in the present instance-which reciprocate with relation to the respective mold-boxes in which they are fitted and also with relation to the stationary plungers or anvils, as hereinafter described.

Upon the cam-shaft are two cams (marked, respectively, 16 and 17,) the former, a broadf faced one, being arranged to impinge against a roller 16?, that is journaled in and between the ends of the bifurcations of the arm 10 of the said bell-crank, and the latter cam being arranged to bear against a similar roller 17a of the other arm 10, In the revolution of the cam-shaft in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 1 and other figures of the drawings the cam 16, actuating the arm 10 of the bellcrank, effects, through the described lconnections, the required downward movement of the cross-head, and consequently of the plungers. The upward movement of the latter is effected by the cam. 17 actuating the arm 10, The form of the cam 16 is such, as shown, as to produce an initial quick downward movement of the plungers, followed by a slower movement.

In order to avoid liability of fracture under the considerable pressure or resistance to which the plungers and their operating mechanism are subjected, we provide a construction designed and adapted to afford an elastic or yielding pressure of the plungers, This construction is as follows, reference being had toFigs. 1, 2, 3, 7, and 13, more particularly to the latter figure: The upper end portion of the plunger-rods 15Ct is free to move vertically in a guide-aperture 13b in the base of the cross-head 13, and on the upper end of said rod is an enlarged head 15b, that normally is seated upon the cross-head base. Upon the head 15b bears a powerful spring 1S, which in the present instance is a semielliptic leaf-spring. The upper leaf thereof is provided with end flanges 18a, over which catch hook-bolts 18, that are secured to the bottom of the cross-head. As it is desirable to adjust the tension or resistance of these springs,we employ screw-threaded bolts whose shanks are passed through holes 18 in the cross-head and have nuts 18d on their pro-V truding ends. By suitably turnifeg these nuts it will be obvious that the tension of the spring may be readily altered as\ circumstances may require. It will be observed that as the enlarged head of the plunger-rod 151L stops against the base of the cross-head and the spring 18 bears under great tension upon the enlarged head normally the plunger is practically rigidly connected to the crosshead, but the former may yield to a certain resistance in the operation of compressing the clots. The plungers are provided with side linings 15c of hard steel, the upper portion of which is offset so as to be out of contact with the mold-lining, and the plungerlinings are fastened to the body of the plungers by means of screws 15d, whose heads are countersunk. (See Fig. 16.) In this way liability of uneven wear of the plunger-linings in the mold-'box which wonldvotherwise occur is obviated.

20 represents the mold-boxes,whose dimensions are such as to correspond with those of the clots that are to be operated upon by the machine. These boxes have separate steel linings 20a, that are secured to the mold-box frame by means of rivets 20h, which are located at a point above the clot-incasing part of the mold-box, as seen in Fig. 16, Sheet 10.

The boxes are built 11p-that is to say, their IOO IIO

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ends and sides, as also the transverse part between the two, are made of distinct parts held together by means of end through-bolts 20c, Figs. 13 and 15. In lieu of making these boxes of the heretofore plain rectangular form we extend the sides-thatis, the steel linings thereof-a considerable distance below the mold proper, so as to form lateral guides 20d, Figs. 3, 13, and 16, for the clots as they are moved forward by the feed-bar, as hereinafterdescribed, onto the anvils, and thus insure the ycorrect side alinementof the clots with relation to the molds when they descend and incase the clots. The lower part of the eX- tensions is beveled outwardly, as seen in Figs. 3 and 16, so as not to interfere with the free exit of the re-p'ressed clots from the molds onto the delivery-plates, and also to prevent striking of the edges of the anvils when the mold-box descends to incase the clot. We also extend downwardly the forward end of the mold box or lining, as seen in Figs. 3 and 13, in order to form a stop 2Oe for the end of the clot when brought forward by the feeding device onto the anvil. As seen in Fig. 13, the lower part of this stop extension is beveled on the outside, so that the end will form a cutting edge 20f, lthe purpose of which is to cut off any part of the clot that may happen to be projected beyond said extension by the momentum of the soft clot in being brought by the feeding device against the extension; also, to prevent the adhesion of the leakage or part of the clay that may ooze out under the re-pressin g operation to the edge of the extension. l

The required vertical reciprocations of the mold-box are effected by means of the following mechanism: Upon and near one end of the cam-shaft 2 are two cams, one of which, 21, is the depressing-cam, that is adapted to ride against a roller 22a at the end of an arm 22 of a bell-crank mounted on a rock-shaft 23, which is j ou rn aled in the frame-standards. The other cam, 24, being the elevating cam, is adapted to ride against a roller 25Pt at the end of the other arm 25 of the bell-crank. The rock-shaft 23 also carries two arms 23, one adjacent to each end', whose free ends, respectively, are pivotally connected to a bar, which in the present instance is made in the form of a yoke 26 in order to span the toggle-shaft' 8. The lower end of this yoke has pivoted thereto the upper end of a rod 26a, whose lower end is connected by means of bolts 2Gb to a lug or wing 26, projecting from the end of the mold-box frame. This end of said rod has a lateral projection 26d, that is entered into a guideway 26e on the inner side of the frame-standard. In order to take up lost motion from wear, we make the said projection 26d in two parts, as seen more clearly in Figs. 9 and l0, Sheet 7, one of which is integral with the rod and has an inner inclincd face 26f and a top projecting part 26g and the other part 26h is movable and has a correspondingly-inclined face. These two parts are connected by a threaded bolt 26 and a nut thereon, whereby the movable part may be adjusted laterally, and thus causing the sides of the two said projections to iit the guideway 26C. The upper end of the rod 26a is guided in its vertical movement by means of a guideway 26 on the inner side of the frame-standard, into which is entered a block 261 on the projecting end of the pivotpin connecting with said rod, as seen in Fig. 11, Sheet 7.

As the plungers are not adjustable laterally, it is necessary or desirable that the mold-box should be adjustable both sidewise and endwise. the lower end of the rod 26, Figs. 15 and 1G, with lateral lugs or projections 26m, whose lower sides are adapted to fit upon the top of the wings of the mold-boxes, and we pass the fastening-bolts 26b through holes 26 in said projections, which overlie holes 26O in the wings, the former holes being of greater diameter than the bolts. Thus obviously by loosening the nuts of said bolts the moldboxes may be shifted to any lateral adjustment that may be required. p

The stationary plungers oranvils 27 are supported upon legs 27, whose flanged bases rest upon the flat top of a transverse part of the frame of the machine between the two standards, to which part they are secured by means of clips 27", that take over the baseflanges 27c and are held in place by studbolts 27d, Fig. 3, screwed into the said transverse part of the frame.

Extending vertically through the anvils are steel-lined vent-holes 28two for each anvil in this instance-of comparatively, small diameter and located, preferably, as shown in the drawings, more clearlyin Figs. 13, 14, and 16. The office of these vent-holes is to allow the escape of a quantity or excess of the clay during the operation of 11e-pressing the clots in order to avoid the liability of breaking some part of the machine and also in order that the re-pressed bricks shall be of uniform size. It is desirable, however, to prevent the venting of too great aquantity of the clay at or about the instant the final pressure is imparted by the plunger to the clot. To this end we provide means in the nature of valves for stopping at the proper time the exit ends of the vent-holes. This means is in the present instance as follows:

Journaled in bearings of each of the anvilframes is a rotatable cylindrical shaft or plug 29 (hereinafter termed valve) on the under side of the anvil, which is lnade concave to fit the conveXity of the plug, as seen in Fig. 16. This valve is in line with the two vent-holes in the anvil and is provided with through-holes 29, adapted to register with the vent-holes, as in Figs. 13 and 16;v but obviously if the valve be sufficiently rotated the latter holes will be closed. In order to eifect the opening and closing movements of the two valves at the proper predetermined To this end we provide KOO IIO

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4" Gaeste intervals, we cause the same to be actuated by the following mechanism:

Upon the end of the cam-shaft 2 is a groovecam 30, in which is adapted to ride a roller 30L on the upper end of a depending rod 30h, whose lower end is pivoted by a gab connection to the horizontally-projecting arm 3la of a three-armed lever 31, that is journaled in lugs 31b of the outer side of one of the framestandards, as seen in Figs. l, 2, 3, and 4. Oranks 29 on the ends of the respective valves are connected to the other two arms 31e of lever 31 by rods 31d. As the cam-shaft rotates the said lever will be rocked by the operation of the cam 30, and thus the valves will be oscillated to open and close the ventholes 28 at predetermined times, governed by the particular shape of said cam. The gab end of rod 30b has pivoted thereto below its connection with the arm 31"L a weighted lever 30C, whose inner short arm normally takes against the under side of said arm beyond the vertical central line of the stud, and thus obviates accidental disconnection of the rod, as seen in Figs. 2 and 2a. When it is desired to clean out the vent-holes, as also the holes in the valves 29, the gab end of the connecting-rod 30b is disconnected from the arm 31, (first raising the weighted end of lever 300,) whereupon the valves may be removed or be turned to bring their holes in line with the vent-holes of the anvils without regard to the then position of the operating-cam.

To facilitate the lubrication of the valves, they are each chambered out adjacent to their bearings to form a receptacle 29C, Fig. 13, with lateral openings 29d. Oil is supplied to the chamber by way of an inclined' passage-way 29e (indicated by dotted lines in said figure) in the end portion of the valve. In order to prevent the ingress of dust and dirt, the outer end of the passage-way is normally covered over by the depending flange or side 29f of the anvil; but when the valve is rotated the end of the passage-way will be exposed by being brought beyond the said covering-flange.

Midway between and below7 the line of the top of the anvils and the feed-table extends the horizontal feed-bar 32, herein-before mentioned, whose function is, with certain adjuncts, to carry the clots to the anvils beneath the mold-boxes and the plungers, and also at the same time to convey the re-pressed bricks from the anvils in convenient position to be removed or offborne from the machine. This bar has secured to its forward or free upturned end a cross-head 32aat right angles to the first-mentioned bar and whose upper edge projects above the plane of the top of the anvils, as also above that of the feed-table in the same plane. The other end of the feedbar is secured to the upper end of a gooseneck 32b,that is adapted to slide in suitable guideways of projections or arms 32C, bolted to the machine-frame. Fastened by bolts to lateral expansions of the top of the said gooseneck are two similar plates 32d, upon which the re-pressed clots or bricks are delivered from the molds to be oftborne, as described farther on.

The feed-bar, dac., are reciprocated at certain intervals with relation to the position and movement of the molds and plungers by the following connected mechanism: a grooved cam 33, mounted upon the cam-shaft 2; a pivoted lever 33a, having at its free end a roller 33h, adapted to ride in the cam-groove; an arm 33c on a horizontal rock-shaft 33d; a connecting-rod 33e, pivoted to the said arm and to said lever; a second arm 33fon the rock-shaft, and a rod 33g, connecting the free end of said arm 33f and the gooseneck.

The delivery-plates 32d, as well as the feedbar, are longitudinally adjustable on the gooseneck by having the bolts which secure them to the latter pass through suitable slots. (Not shown.) Ve may here remark that wherever necessary or desirable the operative parts of the mechanism are made adjustable. The free ends of these delivery-plates project toward the side of the machine from which the clots are fed in-that is,the feed-table. Their under sides are about on or slightly above the plane of the upper surfaces of the anvils, and they are necessarily a .certain distance from the working side of the cross-bar 32a, as will hereinafter appear when the operation of the machine is explained. The free ends of the plates are turned up to form broad-faced hooks 32, as seen more clearly in Figs. 4, 7, and 14, and in front of the latter and fastened thereto is a vertical plate 32f, with a front cutting edge whose function is, when the feedbar moves forward, to cut off the projecting vent-hole noodles or teats that are on the under side of the brick whenit is raised from the anvil by the ascending mold-box. plates 32d are also provided with openings h, with outer cutting edges e, Figs. 14 and 14a, whereby in case the edge 32f of the plate shall not happen to cut off the noodles sufficiently close to the bottom of the brick the portion left protruding will enter the said openings, and the attendant may cause the edges e to cut off said portion flush with the bottom of the brick by sliding the latter longitudinally off the delivery-plate. We also secure between the cutting-plate 32fand the said hook 32e a piece of leather, felt, or the like 32g, the lower edge of which wipes against the top of the anvil at each reciprocation of the feed-bar and thus keeps the anvil clean of clay.

Just inside of the hooks 32e the plates are cut away transversely to form a notch n, and the other ends of the plates are also cut away or reduced at o, both as seen in Figs. 4, 7, and 14, so that the bearings of the end portions of the re-pressed bricks when delivered on said plates shall be within the lower front and rear edges of the bricks. Thus any fins on the lower end corners of the brick will not be pressed into the latter or broken off. The forward or hooked part of these plates is made less in width than that of the smallest bricks IOO The

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which the machine is adapted to turn ou t, and the outer sides of the remainder of the plates are cut away, as seen in Fig. 14, so that the sides of the bricks will overhang the plates, and the attendant who removes the bricks therefrom may conveniently pass his fingers under and take hold of them.

Secured to the gooseneck is a plate p, that rests upon the top of the guide projections 32'3 aud extends through a slot in the machineframe which is used to protect the underlying gooseneck connection from falling bits of clay. The latter are pushed off the plate laterally as it advances through the slot by an angular scraper p', Fig. l.

34 is the feed-table, hereinbei'ore referred to, which is secured to and extends horizontally from the frame of the machine. Upon this table the operator places the clots in proper position to be conveyed to the anvils 27 by the feed-bar to be re-pressed. The clots are usually brought to the machine by and upon the off-bearing belt (not shown) of the clot-moldin g machine, which belt is arranged to run transversely underthe feed-table. The operator takes the clots from the moving belt and places them upon the table. In order to facilitate this operation, we make the feedtable of the tongue-like form shown in Fig. 14 and cut out the outer end thereof to form a recess 34, so that the operator standing in the recess may reach around and take from the said belt a clot from one side and another from the other side. When, however, the offbearing belt is not used, the clots are delivered upon the table by attendants, usually boys, and more table-space is required. In such case we enlarge the area of the table to the extent indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 14. Ne also provide an upwardly-extending flange 34h, Figs. 4, 7, and 14, around the edge of the said recess, so as to have a broad support for the operator to lean his body against when placing the clots in proper position to be taken by the cross-bar 32 of the feed-bar and also to protect him against blows of the clots thrown on the vtable ,by careless attendants.

Bolted to the top of stud 35, rising from the feed-table, so that the cross-bar 32a may pass beneath it, is a guide-bar 35, whose sides are in line, respectively, with the inner edges of adjacent sides of the two molds. The said table has a longitudinal slot 34C in order to allow the neck of the cross-bar to pass therein.

Beneath the feed-table on each side of the guide-bar 35 and a suitable distance from and parallel with the latter is journaled a roller 36,the upperpartof whose periphery projects through a slot 36 in and a short distance above the top surface of the table. These rollers are made hollow to form oil-receptacles, as seen in the enlarged section, Fig. 20, Sheet l1, with perforations 36b and are covered with canvas or cloth or the like 36C. Oil is introduced within the rollers by way of pipes 36d, Figs. 1, 2, 4, 7, and 19, leading from an oil-tank t, secured to the frame of the machine, which pipes commu u icate,respectively, with the ends of tubular shafts 36,upon which the rollers turn, these shafts being also provided with perforations 36f for the escape of the oil into the rollers. The quantity of oil allowed to How into the latter is regulated by means of a stop-cock s, Figs. 1, 2, 4, and 7. As it is desirable that these rollers shall be capable of adjustment, so as to regulate the extent of their protrusion above the top of the table, we journal each roller at the end of a frame 36g, that is pivoted to lugs 36h on the under side of the feed-table, which frame is adjustable in the arc of a circle by means of set-screws 361, as seen in Fig. 19. The office of these rollers is to facilitate the sliding of the clots over into position to be taken by the cross-bar 32a of the feed-bar, and the object of applying oil to the same is to prevent adhesion of the bottom of the clots to the anvils.

Secured to the top of the feed-table just outside of the rollers 36 at right angles thereto and near the forward end are guide-stops 37, Figs. 2, 14, and 19. These are supported upon studs 37a rising from the table and which project back out of line with the vertical faces of the stops, so that there shall not be corners that Would otherwise clog with clay when the clots are brought against the stops, as hereinafter descrbed.

Journaled above the feed-table is a transverse roller 3S, Fig. 7, and indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 2. This roller, whose function is to oil the top of the clots as they are advanced onto the anvils by the feed-bar, is covered with felt or other suitable absorbent material upon which oil from the tank is allowed to drip from a pipe q leading from the latter, said pipe having a cock q for regulating the flow of oil. The roller is preferably journaled in vertically-slotted bearings, (not shown,) so that it may rise and fall. As it is also desirable that it (the said roller) shall be vertically adjustable to suit the thickness of the clots,we journal it in a frame 38, that is connected to a projection 3Sb of the guide-bar 35, on which projection it is adapted to slide vertically and is adjusted to the desired height by means of a set-screw 38C, that passes through a lug 38d on the back of the said frame. This back 38e extends above the roller 38 and is as long as the latter, thus forming a shield which prevents oil being thrown by the centrifugal force from the rotating roller upon the operator who places the clots in position on the feed-table.

Having now described the construction of the machine generally inclusive of 'our particular improvements (with an exception hereinafter described) and premising that the several cams thereof are so shaped and timed as to effect at proper instants or intervals the movements of the parts or mech- IOO IIO

anisms actuated respectively thereby, we will proceed to describe the operation of the machine.

At the time the feed-bar has been moved by the cam 33 and connections operating the same into position to bring the cross-bar 32 nearest to the outer end of the feed-table and the plunger and mold-box are in the elevatedposition the attendant taking a clot, or rather two of them in this twin mold-machine, one in each hand, places them upon the feedtable, brings their forward ends against the stops 37, and then slides them laterally over the rollers 3G (which oil their under surfaces to prevent adhesion to the anvils) up to and agaist the guide-bar 35. As the cam-shaft 2 rotates, and consequently cam 33, the feedbar is retracted, and its cross-bar, taking ,against the outer side or end of the clots,

, incases the clots.

carries them forward, their upper surfaces coming into contact with the oiling-roller 38 (in order to prevent adhesion to the pl ungers) until finally they are brought into position upon the anvils 27 directly beneath the moldboxes and plungers, their forward ends being stopped against the extension 20 of the said boxes, their proper alinement being assured by the lateral downward extensions 2Od of the latter. The positions of the feed-bar, mold-boxes, &c., at this instant, as well as the other parts of the mechanism of the machine, are shown in the several figures of t-he drawings. By reason of the peculiar shape of the cam 33, that operates the feed-bar, the latter is then moved back a sufficient distance to carry the cross-bar out of the way of the moldbox which is about to descend. The moldbox now descends by action of cam 21 and At about the same time the plungers 15 are forced down by the cam 16, thus compressing the clots between them and the anvils. Near the conclusion of this pressure while the plungers are descending, as also the mold-boxes, the latter are moved down at about one-half the speed of that of the plungers, whereby the friction of the clots in the mold-boxes'is, so to say, divided. Vxe change the shape and timing of the plunger and mold-box operating cams in the machines heretofore used, so as to effect the justdescribed relative movements of the plunger and mold-boxes. This is done to obviate a defect which we found to exist in the prior machines in that by reason of the friction and consequent resistance of the clots in the mold-boxes the re-pressed bricks were not uniform in texture, the upper portion being much more dense or compressed than the lower portion. By giving to the mold-box and plunger the aforesaid relative downward movements the pressure upon the clot by and between the plunger and the anvil is practically equalized-that is to say, with a similar effect as if the plunger and anvil were reciprocated toward each other at the same speed. Any excess of clay of the clots passes through the vent-holes 28; butjust before the final pressure is given to the plungers the valves 29 are rocked by the operation of the grooved cam 30, thus stopping further outtlowof the clay. The cam 21 is so shaped as to produce the final downward pressure above alluded to in order to impart a uniform texture to the re-pressed bricksthat is to say, that part about the points,

whence the clay has'iiowed through the ventholes. As the machine continues its operation the mold-boxes and plungers are now caused to ascend, the former by the action of cam 24 and the latter by that of cam 17. While, however, the plungers have at this time reached the limit of their upward movement, the mold-boxes, still incasing the clots, which are carried up thereby, (being held therein by friction,) have not reached their highest point. Atthis instant the gooseneck, with the feed-bar 32, is moved toward the feed-table by its actuating-cam and connections and so brings the delivery-plates 32d directlyinto position over the anvil, the cut.

ting edge 32f of the plates as the bar advances cutting off the vent-hole noodles projecting from the bottom of the bricks. At the same time the cross-bar 32a is carried to the feedtable in position to take the next clots to be placed upon the table by the attendant, as before. The mold-boxes are now caused by cam 24 to rise to their highest point, (the plungers descending ashort distance,) thus freeing the re-pressed bricks and causing them to drop upon the delivery-plates. Finally the feed-bar is caused to retract to the position shown in the drawings, andat the same time that it carries the new clots onto the anvils to be operated upon it carries the delivery-plates, and consequently the justiinished bricks thereon, away from the anvils, and an attendant then removes them. During these latter movements the valves are brought into position for their vent-holes to again register with the anvil vent holes. These foregoing-described series of operations are repeated as may be required.

The relative movements of the plungers, mold-boxes, feed-bar, dac., are (with the difference in the movements of the plungers and boxes at a certain stage in the re-pressing operation hereinbefore referred to) substantially similar to those of the machine for which Howard K. King filed his said application for Letters Patent, our present invention relating, as hereinbcfore stated, only to various improvements upon that machine or machines of a generally-similar character.

Having thus described our invention, we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. In a machine of the character described, the combination with the feed-table, of the lateral roller, or rollers, having the upper surface projecting above the top of said table, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

2. In a machine of the character described, the combination with the feed-table, of the IOO IIO

lateral roller, or rollers, having their upper surface projecting above the top of the said table, and means for effecting adjustments of said rollers to vary the extent of theirsaid projection, substantially as described.

3. In a machine of the character described, the combination with the feed-table, of the lateral roller, or rollers, having the upper surface projecting above the top of said table, and means for applying oil to said roller or rollers, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

et. In a machine of the character described, the combination with the feed-table, of the lateral roller, or rollers, having the upper sur face projecting above the top of said table, and the guide-stop at right angles to and adjacent to the end of said roller, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

5. In a machine of the character described, the combination With the feed-table, of the lateral roller, or rollers, having the uppersurface projecting above the top of said table, and the guide-bar projecting above the top of said table, and parallel With said roller, or rollers, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

6. In a machine of the character described, the combination with the feed-table, of the lateral roller, or rollers, having the upper surface projecting above the top of said table, the guide-stop at right angles to and adjacent to the end of said roller, and the guide-bar projecting above the top of said table, and parallel with said roller or rollers, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

7. In a machine of the character described, the combination of the mold, the plunger, and means for operating the same respectively, the anvil, and the'delivery-plate whose Width is less than that of the smallest bricks which the machine is adapted to make, and having also the end portions below the plane of the top of the body of the plate, whereby the lower edges of the brick will be'out of contact with the plate, together with mechanism for carrying the latter beneath the said plunger and mold-box and retracting the same, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

8. In a machine of the character described, the combination of the mold-box, the plunger, the anvil provided with the vent-holes, means for actuating said mold-box and plunger respectively, means for opening and closing said vent-holes at predetermined times, the deliveryplate located relatively to the plunger, mold-box and anvil, as shown and described, and having the cutting edge, 32f, and means for reciprocating said plate, all constructed and adapted to operate substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

9. In a machine of the characterdescribed, the combination of the mold-box, the plunger, the anvil provided with the vent-holes, means for actuating said mold-box and plunger respectively, means for opening the exits of said vent-holes at predetermined times, the delivery-plate located relatively to said plunger, mold-box and anvil, and having the openings, h, and the cutting edge, e, together with means for reciprocating said plate, all constructed and adapted to operate substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

10. In a machine of the character described, the combination of the mold-box, the plunger, the anvil provided with the vent-holes, means for actuating said mold-box and plunger respectively, means for opening the exits of said vent-holes at predetermined times, the delivery-plate located relatively to the plunger, mold-boX and anvil, and having the cutting edge, 322 the openings, h, and the cutting edge, e, together with means for reciprocating said plate, all constructed and adapted to 0perate substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

11. In a machine of the character described, the combination of the anvil, the vmold-box, the cross-head, the plunger movably connected to the latter, the spring tending to depress the plunger, the stop for limiting the depression of the latter with relation to the cross-head, the bolts connected to the crosshead, and having hooks engaging the ends of said spring, and means for adjusting said bolts, whereby the tension of the spring may be varied, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

12. In a machine of the character described, the combination of the mold-box and the plunger adapted to reciprocate therein, and having the detachable steel linings, their upper portion being offset, and secured to the body part of the plunger by means of screws or the like, extending through said oset portion, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

13. In a machine of the character described, the combination of the mold-box, the plunger therein, the mechanism for reciprocating said mold-box and plunger respectively, the wings on said mold-box, the rods connecting the latter with its actuating mechanism, the flanges on the ends of said rods, and the bolts, connectin g said Wings and iianges,passed through apertures in the Wings respectively, of larger diameter than that of the bolts, whereby the mold-box may be laterally adjusted with 4relation to the plungers, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

14:. In a machine of the character described, the combination of the anvil having the ventholes, the plunger, the moldboX, means for actuating said plunger and box respectively, the vent-hole valve having the apertures therein, and means for actuating said valve, at predetermined times to bring the apertures into and out of registry with said ventholes, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

15. In a machine of the character described, the combination of the anvil, having the ventholes, the plunger, the mold-box, means for actuating said plunger and mold-box respectively,the cylindrical vent-hole valve beneath IOO the anvil and having7 the apertures therein, and mechanism, substantially as described, for rocking said Valve, at predetermined times to bring the said apertures into and out of registry with the Vent-holes, substan tially as and for the purpose specified.

' 16. Inamachineof the character described, the combination of the anvil, the plunger, the mold-box having the lateral extensions, and means for actuating said plunger and mold-box respectively, substantially as and for the purpose set forth. p

17. In a machine of the character described, the combination of the anvil, the plunger, the meld-box having the lateral extensions,

and the'forWard-end extension, the feed-bar, the crossibar carried thereby, means for operating said feed-bar, means for actuating the mold-box, and means for actuating the plunger, all at predetermined relative times substantiallyas and for the purpose set forth. In testimony whereof We have hereunto affixed our signatures this 2 lst'day of May, A.D. 1898.

CYRUS CHAMBERS, JR. HOWARD K. KING.

Witnesses: i

WALTER C. PUSEY, JOSHUA PUsEY. 

